The Staff Canteen

Dan Andree has been announced as Penmaenuchaf’s new head chef, replacing the outgoing Thomas Hine.

Thomas is returning to chef contracting after his spell at Penmaenuchaf in Dolgellau, Gwynedd in Wales. Dan currently works at another Seren venue in Oxwich’s Beach House.

At Beach House, Dan has acted as chef director Hywel Griffith’s right hand man and has had a significant influence on elevating the tasting menus at the restaurant over the past couple of years.

Dan’s promotion to hotel head chef within the Seren portfolio is an exciting career move, as he relocates to north Wales to oversee the kitchens at Penmaenuchaf and join the hotel’s leadership team.

Since joining Beach House in 2020, Dan has helped ensure the restaurant has retained the Michelin Star it first won in 2019. This year, Dan was a semi-finalist in UK National Chef of the Year 2024 awards, and was a finalist in Wales Chef of the Year 2023 awards, whilst also winning the ‘best dish’ award in the competition the same year.

Dan said: “I’m delighted to be moving to north Wales to join the culinary team and oversee the kitchens at Penmaenuchaf. Utilising the experience I’ve gained from working closely with Hywel at Beach House, I look forward to creating memorable dining

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experiences in this truly remarkable setting.

“Focusing on high quality ingredients and locally sourced produce, I’m really excited to work with the talented team alongside our group of amazing local producers, to offer truly delicious dishes to guests that showcase the finest Welsh ingredients.”

Hywel added: “Dan started with me at Beach House early in 2020 and since then he has grown to be my right-hand man, helping me deliver an unparalleled consistency in the product we offer here, day in, day out.

“I’m thankful to him for his support, loyalty and friendship during his time here at Beach House.

“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside him and watch him develop and grow into the talented head chef he is now.

“It’s a sad moment for myself and Beach House having Dan step away, however he is ready to take a kitchen on under his own name. I’m really excited to see what he will create and I couldn’t be more delighted to see him take this next step within Seren.

“I wish him all the luck as he takes on this new role at Penmaenuchaf and I’m looking forward to heading up to north Wales to see him behind the pass there soon.”

Beach House is currently recruiting for Dan Andree’s replacement.

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